In the upcoming January transfer window, Chelsea is setting its sights on Napoli's star striker, Victor Osimhen, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching the Serie A title last season, netting an impressive 31 goals across all competitions. His stellar performance continues this season.
The Evening Standard reveals that Chelsea considers Osimhen a top priority. Mauricio Pochettino's team has crafted a three-man shortlist to strengthen their forward line, aiming to recover from a lackluster start to the season.
Apart from Osimhen, Chelsea eyes the banned Brentford forward, Ivan Toney, carrying a hefty price tag of around £100m. Additionally, they have their sights on Club Brugge's 18-year-old sensation, Antonio Nusa. While Toney brings proven top-flight scoring expertise, Nusa, with seven career goals, remains a relative unknown but is widely recognized as one of Europe's most promising talents. He has also represented Norway four times, finding the net once.
Each of these options brings distinct qualities and potential, but Osimhen stands out as one of Europe's elite players from the previous season. The Nigerian forward, recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in October's international break, boasts six goals in Serie A this season. Linked heavily with a Premier League move before the season started, Osimhen recently expressed his childhood admiration for the EPL.
Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, known for astute business dealings, set a £150m price tag on Osimhen during the summer transfer speculation. Although Osimhen's current Napoli contract extends to 2025, discussions are underway to prolong his stay at the Diego Maradona Stadium until 2026.
Napoli aims to retain Osimhen at least until the summer, and Chelsea plans for the January transfer window will reportedly be finalized in mid-December, according to the Evening Standard.
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